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A research team at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) has been recognised for their outstanding achievement in becoming one of the top recruiting sites for the FLO-ELA (FLuid Optimisation in Emergency LAparotomy) trial. 

The team has successfully recruited over 100 patients into this pivotal national study, investigating whether cardiac output-guided haemodynamic therapy during and after emergency bowel surgery can reduce mortality rates compared to standard care. 

Cardiac output-guided haemodynamic therapy is a medical approach used to optimise a patient’s cardiovascular health during critical care. It involves monitoring and adjusting the flow of blood (cardiac output) to ensure that it meets the body’s needs, improving overall recovery. 

Launched in 2017, the FLO-ELA trial is the largest of its kind and has recruited over 3,000 patients across more than 50 hospitals. It is hoped that the findings will pave the way for improved patient outcomes on a national scale. 

At QEHB, the trial has been led by Dr. Rajneesh Sachdeva, with support from a dedicated team, including research nurses, practitioners, anaesthetic consultants and registrars, junior specialist doctors, facilitators, the emergency theatre team – particularly Theatre 17, recovery, and clinical departments such as surgery, anaesthesia, and critical care. 

The trial has been funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme and sponsored by University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. 

Dr Mark Edwards, Consultant in Anaesthesia & Perioperative Medicine University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and Chief Investigator of the FLO-ELA trial, said: “The team at Queen Elizabeth Birmingham has made a highly significant contribution to research in a challenging clinical setting and stands out at a national level in this respect.” 

Jo Plumb, Director of Research, Development and Innovation at UHB, said: “A huge well done to Dr. Rajneesh Sachdeva and the team for achieving this remarkable recruitment milestone as one of the top recruiting sites for this important NIHR-funded trial. On behalf of the department, many thanks for all your hard work. We are incredibly proud of your contributions, which are making a significant impact in improving patient care and outcomes on a national scale.” 

Dr. Rajneesh Sachdeva, Consultant Anaesthetist at QEHB, added: “It has been a team effort and speaks of the commitment of the research department, emergency theatre and recovery staff, anaesthetic colleagues, registrars, and junior specialist doctors towards research at QEHB. I am thankful to all involved for their support in achieving this milestone.”